Mixture of a phosphonite with other components

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to mixtures of phosphonite (component A) and/or an ester and/or salt of a long-chain fatty acid (component B), and/or a carboxylic ester, and/or carboxylic amide (component C), and also to their use in polyamides or in polyesters.

[0001] The invention relates to mixtures of a phosphonite (component A)and/or an ester and/or salt of a long-chain fatty acid (component B),and/or a carboxylic ester, and/or carboxylic amide (component C), andalso to their use.

[0002] With a few exceptions, thermoplastics are processed in the melt.The associated changes in structure and state cause some alteration inthe chemical structure of almost every plastic. The consequence can becrosslinking, oxidation, and molecular weight changes, and thereforealso changes in physical and technical properties. To reduce the stressto which polymers are exposed during their processing, various additivesare used, as required by the particular plastic. Stabilizers aregenerally added, and these suppress, or at least retard, the alterationprocesses such as crosslinking reactions or degradation reactions.Lubricants are also admixed with most plastics, and these have theprimary function of improving the flow behavior of the melt.

[0003] A wide variety of additives is generally used simultaneously,each of these having its own function. For example, antioxidants andstabilizers are used so that the plastic withstands processing withoutdamage to its chemical structure and is then resistant over long periodsto external effects, such as heat, UV light, weathering, and oxygen(air). Lubricants not only improve flow behavior but also preventexcessive adhesion of the polymer melt to hot machine components, andact as dispersing agents for pigments, fillers, and reinforcingmaterials.

[0004] The use of flame retardants can affect the stability of theplastic during processing in the melt. Large additions of flameretarders are often necessary in order to ensure sufficient flameretardancy of the plastic to international standards. Flame retardantscan adversely affect the processing stability of plastics because theyhave the chemical reactivity required for flame-retardant action at hightemperatures. Examples of consequences are increased polymerdegradation, crosslinking reactions, evolution of gases, ordiscoloration. These are effects which may not occur at all, or only inattenuated fashion, during the processing of plastics with no flameretardants.

[0005] Polyamides to which no flame retardants are added are generallystabilized by small amounts of copper halides, or else by aromaticamines and sterically hindered phenols, the emphasis being placed hereon achieving long-term stability at high long-term service temperatures(H. Zweifel (Ed.): “Plastics Additives Handbook”, 5^(th) Edition, CarlHanser Verlag, Munich, 2000, pp. 80-96). Polyesters, too, needantioxidant stabilization, essentially for long-term service, ratherthan for processing.

[0006] EP 0 442 465 A1 describes thermoplastic molding compositionswhich comprise halogenated flame retardants and have stabilization usingamines or phosphites or a combination of an amine and a phosphite.

[0007] Carbodiimides, isocyanates, and isocyanurates have proveneffective for stabilizing polymer molding compositions usingphosphorus-containing flame retardants (DE 199 20 276 A1).

[0008] Particularly when phosphorus-containing flame retardants are usedin polyamides and polyesters, the action of the stabilizers describedhitherto has proved inadequate, specifically for suppressing the effectsarising during processing, e.g. discoloration and molecular weightdegradation.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to providemeans for auxiliaries which have an overall improved action on theplastic, in particular for polyamides and polyesters.

[0010] This object has been achieved by way of mixtures of a phosphonite(component A) and/or an ester and/or salt of a long-chain fatty acid(component B), and/or a carboxylic ester, and/or carboxylic amide(component C).

[0011] Surprisingly, it has been found that mixtures of a phosphonite(component A) and/or an ester and/or salt of a long-chain fatty acid(component B), and/or a carboxylic ester, and/or carboxylic amide(component C) markedly increase the processing stability offlame-retardant polyamides and polyesters. The inventive combinationsreduce discoloration of the plastic during processing in the melt andsuppress degradation of the plastics to give units with lower molecularweight.

[0012] Phosphonites of the structure

R—[P(OR₁)₂]_(m)  (I)

[0013] are suitable a component A,

[0014] where

[0015] R is a mono- or polyvalent aliphatic, aromatic, or heteroaromaticorganic radicals, and

[0016] R₁ is a group of the structure (II)

[0017] or the two radicals R₁ form a bridging group of the structure(III)

[0018] where

[0019] A is a direct bond, O, S, C₁₋₁₈-alkylene (linear or branched),C₁₋₁₈-alkylidene (linear or branched), and where

[0020] R₂ are, independently of one another, C₁₋₁₂-alkyl (linear orbranched), C₁₋₁₂-alkoxy, C₅₋₁₂-cycloalkyl, and

[0021] n is 0 to 5, and

[0022] m is from 1 to 4.

[0023] Preference is given to the following radicals

[0024] R C₄₋₁₈-alkyl (linear or branched), C₄₋₁₈-alkylene (linear orbranched), C₅₋₁₂-cycloalkyl, C₅₋₁₂-cycloalkylene, C₆₋₂₄-aryl or-heteroaryl, C₆₋₂₄-arylene or C₆₋₂₄-heteroarylene, which may also havefurther substitution;

[0025] R₁ a group of the structure (II) or (III), where

[0026] R₂ independently of one another, C₁₋₈-alkyl (linear or branched),C₁₋₈-alkoxy, cyclohexyl;

[0027] A a direct bond, O, C₁₋₈-alkylene (linear or branched),C₁₋₈-alkylidene (linear or branched) and

[0028] n from 0 to 3

[0029] m from 1 to 3.

[0030] Particular preference is given to the following radicals

[0031] R cyclohexyl, phenyl, phenylene, biphenyl, or biphenylene

[0032] R₁ a group of the structure (II) or (III), where

[0033] R₂ independently of one another, C₁₋₈-alkyl (linear or branched),C₁₋₈-alkoxy, cyclohexyl;

[0034] A a direct bond, O, C₁₋₆-alkylidene (linear or branched) and

[0035] n from 1 to 3

[0036] m from 1 to 2.

[0037] Suitable components B are esters or salts of long-chain aliphaticcarboxylic acids (fatty acids), these typically having chain lengths offrom C₁₄ to C₄₀.

[0038] The esters are reaction products of the carboxylic acidsmentioned with familiar polyhydric alcohols, e.g. ethylene glycol,glycerol, trimethylolpropane, or pentaerythritol.

[0039] The salts used of the carboxylic acids mentioned may particularlybe the alkali-metal or alkaline-earth-metal salts, or the aluminum saltsor zinc salts.

[0040] A preferred component B is esters or salts of stearic acid, e.g.glycerol monostearate or calcium stearate.

[0041] A preferred component B is reaction products of montan wax acidswith ethylene glycol.

[0042] Preferred reaction products are a mixture of mono(montan waxacid) ester of ethylene glycol, di(montan wax acid) ester of ethyleneglycol, montan wax acids and ethylene glycol.

[0043] A preferred component B is reaction products of montan wax acidswith a calcium salt.

[0044] Particularly preferred reaction products are a mixture ofmono(montan wax acid) ester of 1,3-butanediol, di(montan wax acid) esterof 1,3-butanediol, montan wax acids, 1,3-butanediol, calcium montanate,and the calcium salt.

[0045] Carboxylic (ester) amides are suitable as component C.

[0046] A preferred component C is a derivative of an aromatic di- ortricarboxylic (ester) amide.

[0047] A preferred derivative isN,N′-bispiperdinyl-1,3-benzenedicarboxamide.

[0048] A particularly preferred derivative isN,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperdinyl)-1,3-benzenedicarboxamide.

[0049] The mixtures of the invention preferably also comprise phosphitesof the formula (IV)

P(OR₁)₃  (IV),

[0050] where R₁ is a group of the structure (II) or (III).

[0051] Particular preference is given to phosphites which meet the aboverequirements and are prepared by a Friedel-Crafts reaction of anaromatic or heteroaromatic compound, such as benzene, biphenyl, ordiphenyl ether, with phosphorus trihalides, preferably phosphorustrichloride, in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst, such asaluminum chloride, zinc chloride, iron chloride, etc., and a subsequentreaction with the phenols on which the structures (II) and (III) arebased. Also expressly included here are mixtures with phosphites whichare produced from an excess of phosphorus trihalide with theabovementioned phenols in the reaction sequence mentioned.

[0052] From this group of compounds, preference is in turn given to thefollowing structures (V) and (VI):

[0053] where n may be 0 or 1, and where these mixtures may alsooptionally comprise the compound (VII) or, respectively, (VIII):

[0054] The abovementioned additives may be introduced into the plasticin a very wide variety of steps in a process. For example, in the caseof polyamides or polyesters, the additives may be mixed into the polymermelt at the very start of the polymerization/polycondensation, or at itsend, or in a subsequent compounding process. There are also processeswhere the additives are added only at a later stage. This appliesparticularly when pigment masterbatches or additive masterbatches areused. Another possibility is that in particular pulverulent additivesare applied in a drum mixer to the polymer pellets, which may be warm asa result of the drying process.

[0055] A preferred mixture comprises from 10 to 90% by weight ofcomponent A and from 90 to 10% by weight of component B or component C.

[0056] A preferred mixture comprises from 30 to 70% by weight ofcomponent A and from 70 to 30% by weight of component B or component C.

[0057] A particularly preferred mixture comprises from 45 to 55% byweight of component A and from 45 to 55% by weight of component B orcomponent C.

[0058] A preferred mixture comprises from 10 to 90% by weight ofcomponent B and from 90 to 10% by weight of component C.

[0059] Another preferred mixture comprises from 30 to 70% by weight ofcomponent B and from 70 to 30% by weight of component C.

[0060] A particularly preferred mixture comprises from 45 to 55% byweight of component B and from 55 to 45% by weight of component C.

[0061] A preferred mixture comprises from 5 to 90% by weight ofcomponent A, from 5 to 90% by weight of component B, and from 90 to 5%by weight of component C.

[0062] A preferred mixture comprises from 15 to 70% by weight ofcomponent A, from 15 to 70% by weight of component B, and from 70 to 15%by weight of component C.

[0063] A preferred mixture comprises from 30 to 35% by weight ofcomponent A, from 30 to 35% by weight of component B, and from 35 to 30%by weight of component C.

[0064] A preferred form of components A, B, and C is pellets, flakes,fine particles, powders, and/or micronizate.

[0065] A preferred form of components A, B, and C is a physical mixtureof the solids, a melt mixture, a compactate, an extrudate, or amasterbatch.

[0066] A preferred use of the mixture is in a molding composition of apolymer or of a polycondensate.

[0067] A particularly preferred use of the mixture is in a moldingcomposition of a flame-retardant polymer or of a flame-retardantpolycondensate.

[0068] For the purposes of the invention, phosphorus-containing flameretardants which may be used in polyamides or in polyesters areinorganic or organic phosphates, phosphites, hypophosphites,phosphonates, phosphinates, and phosphine oxides, and also elementalphosphorus.

[0069] Preferred phosphates are melamine phosphate, melaminepyrophosphate, and melamine polyphosphate, and also the similar melamephosphates, meleme phosphates, or melon phosphates. Ammoniumpolyphosphate is also preferred.

[0070] Preferred hypophosphites are calcium hypophosphite, zinchypophosphite, and aluminum hypophosphite.

[0071] Suitable phosphinates are described in PCTWO 97/39053, which isexpressly incorporated herein by way of reference.

[0072] Preferred phosphinates used are phosphinic salts of the formula(I) and/or a diphosphinic salt of the formula (II), and/or polymers ofthese

[0073] where

[0074] R¹ and R² are identical or different and are C₁-C₆-alkyl, linearor branched, and/or aryl;

[0075] R³ is C₂-C₁₀-alkylene, linear or branched, C₆-C₁₀-arylene,C₆-C₁₀-alkylarylene, or C₆-C₁₀-arylalkylene;

[0076] M is calcium ions, aluminum ions, and/or zinc ions;

[0077] m is 2 or 3;

[0078] n is 1 or 3;

[0079] x is 1 or 2.

[0080] Preferred phosphinates are aluminum phosphinate, calciumphosphinate, and zinc phosphinate.

[0081] Elemental phosphorus which may be used is red or blackphosphorus. Red phosphorus is preferred.

[0082] Any of the phosphorus-containing flame retardants used in thepolycondensate may be used alone or with nitrogen-containing synergists.Typical combinations with synergists are also described in PCT/WO97/39053, which is expressly incorporated herein by way of reference.

[0083] Preferred polymers or polycondensates are polyamides. Suitablepolyamides are described by way of example in DE 199 20 276 A1.

[0084] Preferred polyamides are those of amino acid type and/or ofdiamine/dicarboxylic acid type.

[0085] Preferred polyamides are nylon-6 and/or nylon-6,6.

[0086] Preferred polyamides are unmodified, colored, filled, unfilled,reinforced, or unreinforced polyamides, or else polyamides which havebeen otherwise modified.

[0087] Components A, B, and C are preferably introduced at the same orat different steps in the process during the preparation/processing ofpolyamides.

[0088] Other preferred polycondensates are polyesters. Suitablepolyesters are described by way of example in DE 199 20 276 A1.

[0089] The polycondensates are preferably polyethylene terephthalate orpolybutylene terephthalate.

[0090] Preferred polyesters are unmodified, colored, filled, unfilled,reinforced, or unreinforced polyesters, or polyesters which have beenotherwise modified.

[0091] Components A, B, and C are preferably introduced at the same orat different steps in the process during the preparation/processing ofpolyesters.

[0092] Components A, B, and C are preferably incorporated in thepolycondensation process, in the compounding process, or directly duringthe molding process.

[0093] A preferred total amount of components A, B, and C is from 0.01to 10.00% by weight in the polycondensate.

[0094] A preferred total amount of components A, B, and C is from 0.1 to2.00% by weight in the polycondensate.

[0095] A preferred total amount of flame retardant in the polymer orpolycondensate is from 1 to 50% by weight.

[0096] A preferred total amount of flame retardant in the polymer orpolycondensate is from 5 to 40% by weight.

[0097] A particularly preferred total amount of flame retardant in thepolymer or polycondensate is from 10 to 30% by weight.

[0098] The invention preferably provides the use of organic phosphonitesin combination with salts of montan wax acid and/or with aromatic di- ortricarboxylic esters and/or aromatic di- or tricarboxylic amides, asstabilizers for flame-retardant polyamides and polyesters.

[0099] The processing stability of flame-retardant polyamides andpolyesters can be markedly increased using the inventive combinations ofparticular organic phosphonites with montan wax salts or with montan waxesters and/or with aromatic di- or tricarboxylic esters and/or witharomatic di- or tricarboxylic amides.

EXAMPLES

[0100] 1. Components Used Commercially available polymers (pellets):Nylon-6,6 (GR PA 6.6): ® Durethan AKV 30 (from Bayer AG, Germany),comprising 30% of glass fibers. Polybutylene terephthalate ® Celanex2300 GV1/30 (from Ticona, (GR PBT): Germany), comprising 30% of glassfibers.

[0101] Flame retardant components (pulverulent):

[0102] Aluminum salt of methylethylphosphinic acid, hereinafter termedMEPAL.

[0103] Melapur 200 (melamine polyphosphate), hereinafter termed MPP, DSMMelapur, Netherlands

[0104] Melapur® MC (melamine cyanurate), hereinafter termed MC, DSMMelapur, Netherlands

[0105] Phosphonites (component A): Sandostab® P-EPQ®, Clariant GmbH,Germany

[0106] Wax components (component B):

[0107] Licowax E, Clariant GmbH, Germany (ester of montan wax acid withethylene glycol)

[0108] Licomont CaV 102, Clariant GmbH, Germany (Ca salt of montan waxacid)

[0109] Licowax OP, Clariant GmbH, Germany (partially Ca-saponified esterof montan wax acid)

[0110] Aromatic di- or tricarboxylic esters or aromatic di- ortricarboxylic amides (component C):

[0111] Nylostab® S-EED®, Clariant GmbH, Germany (*Nylostab S-EED isN,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,3-benzenedicarboxamide)

[0112] 2. Preparation, Processing, and Testing of Flame-RetardantPolymer Molding Compositions

[0113] The flame retardant components were mixed in the ratio given inthe tables with the polymer pellets, and with the lubricants andstabilizers, and incorporated in a twin-screw extruder (Leistritz LSM30/34) at temperatures of from 260 to 310° C. (GR PA 6.6) or from 240 to280° C. (GR PBT). The homogenized polymer extrudate was drawn off,cooled in a water bath, and then pelletized.

[0114] After adequate drying, the molding compositions were injectionmolded (Arburg 320 C Allrounder) at melt temperatures of from 270 to320° C. (GR PA 6.6) or from 260 to 280° C. (GR PBT), to give testspecimens, and tested and classified for flame retardancy on the basisof the UL 94 test (Underwriters Laboratories).

[0115] The flowability of the molding compositions was determined bydetermining the melt volume index (MVR) at 275° C./2.16 kg. A sharp risein the MVR value indicates polymer degradation.

[0116] Processing properties in polyester were assessed on the basis ofspecific viscosity (SV). The pellets of the polymer molding compositionwere used, after adequate drying, to prepare a 1.0% strength solution indichloroacetic acid, and the SV values were determined. A higher SVvalue indicates that less polymer degradation occurred during theincorporation of the flame retardant.

[0117] Color changes were measured using a Minolta CM-3600dspectrophotometer, to DIN 6174 (L, a, b, delta E).

[0118] Unless it has been otherwise stated, for reasons ofcomparability, all of the experiments in each series were carried outunder identical conditions (temperature programs, screw geometries,injection molding parameters, etc.).

[0119] Table 1 shows comparative examples in which a flame retardantcombination based on the aluminum salt of methylethylphosphinic acid(MEPAL) and on the nitrogen-containing synergist melamine polyphosphatewas used and tested, both alone and with a claimed phosphonite(component A), calcium montanate (component B), or carboxylic amide(component C) in glass-fiber-reinforced PA 6.6.

[0120] Table 2 shows the results obtained from the comparative examplespresented in Table 1 after the molding compositions have been injectionmolded at various temperatures.

[0121] The results from the examples in which the flame retardantcombinations were used together with a mixture of components A to C ofthe invention have been listed in Tables 3, 4, 5, and 6. All of theamounts are given as % by weight and are based on the polymer moldingcomposition including the flame retardant combination and additives.

[0122] From the examples it is apparent that the additives of theinvention (mixture of components A to C) significantly improve theprocessability of the polycondensates using phosphorus flame retardantsand, respectively, the flame retardant combinations described, withoutadversely affecting flame retardancy.

[0123] Incorporation of the flame retardants into PA 6.6 leads topolymer degradation, detectable from high MVR values, and to gray-browndiscoloration of the molding compositions (c1, c2). Addition of calciummontanate alone or S-EED alone cannot either improve the color of themolding compositions or substantially reduce polymer degradation (c3,c4). P-EPQ alone stabilizes the flame-retardant molding compositionslightly (c5).

[0124] If a combination of components A to C is then used (e1, e2, e3,e4), marked stabilization of the flame-retardant polyamide melt can beobserved, as can a substantial reduction in discoloration of the testspecimens. The synergistic action of the combinations of components A toC is also clearly discernible even at relatively high processingtemperatures (Table 4). The processing latitude from the polycondensatesusing phosphorus flame retardants can therefore be extended, and this isadvantageous when the molding compositions are produced on an industrialscale.

[0125] Increased stabilization can also be achieved using Licowax E andLicowax OP in combination with polymer additives (Table 5). However, thebest action is exhibited by calcium montanate.

[0126] When flame-retardant polyester (PBT) was stabilized according tothe invention, a marked reduction in polymer degradation was observed,detectable in high SV figures, as was a marked reduction indiscoloration (Table 6). TABLE 1 Comparative examples (experimentalseries 1): flame-retardant molding compositions using components A, B,or C as single additives in glass- fiber-reinforced PA 6.6. A B C UL 94Com- MEPAL MPP P-EPQ CaV 102 S-EED classification MVR parison [%] [%][%] [%] [%] (0.8 mm) [cm³/10′] Delta E*⁾ c1  0 0 0 0 0 n.c.**⁾ 19 28 c210 5 0 0 0 v-0 44 33 c3 10 5 1 0 0 V-0 19 27 c4 10 5 0 1 0 V-0 58 32 c510 5 0 0 1 V-0 33 33

[0127] TABLE 2 Comparative examples (experimental series 1):flame-retardant molding compositions using components A, B, or C assingle additives in glass-fiber-reinforced PA 6.6, using variousinjection molding temperatures. Melt temperature during MVR Comparisoninjection molding [° C.] [cm³/10′] Delta E c1 290 23 27 300 23 28 310 2831 c2 290 101 35 300 151 37 310 274 39 c3 290 23 27 300 37 29 310 108 33c4 290 138 32 300 222 33 310 368 36 c5 290 106 35 300 99 37 310 337 40

[0128] TABLE 3 Inventive examples (experimental series 1):flame-retardant molding compositions using the combination of 2 or 3additive components in glass-fiber-reinforced PA 6.6. B A CaV C UL 94MEPAL MPP P-EPQ 102 S-EED classification MVR Examples [%] [%] [%] [%][%] (0.8 mm) [cm³/10′] Delta E*⁾ e1 10 5 0 0.5 0.5 V-0 13 26 e2 10 5 0.50.5 0 V-0 17 23 e3 10 5 0.5 0 0.5 V-0 12 30 e4 10 5 0.33 0.33 0.33 V-022 30

[0129] TABLE 4 Inventive examples (experimental series 1):flame-retardant molding compositions using the combination of 2 or 3additive components in glass-fiber-reinforced PA 6.6, using variousinjection molding temperatures. Melt temperature during MVR Examplesinjection molding [° C.] [cm³/10′] Delta E e1 290 54 27 300 82 28 310118 32 e2 290 35 25 300 64 26 310 130 27 e3 290 42 30 300 77 30 310 15130 e4 290 44 30 300 44 31 310 69 30

[0130] TABLE 5 Inventive examples (experimental series 2):flame-retardant molding compositions using the combination of various Bcomponents, and A and C in glass-fiber-reinforced PA 6.6. ME B A C UL 94Experi- PAL MPP wax P-EPQ S-EED classification MVR ments [%] [%] [%] [%][%] (0.8 mm) [cm³/10′] Delta E*⁾ c7 10 5 0 0 0 V-0 41 38 e4 10 5 CaV 1020.5 0.5 V-0 16 29 0.5 e5 10 5 Wax E 0.5 0.5 V-0 19 32 0.5 e6 10 5 Wax OP0.5 0.5 V-0 19 29 0.5

[0131] TABLE 6 Flame-retardant molding compositions using variouscombinations of components A and B in glass-fiber-reinforced PBT. UL 94A B classifi- Experi- MEPAL MC P-EPQ wax cation Delta ments [%] [%] [%][%] (1.6 mm) SV E c8 10 10 0 0 V-0 815 18 c9 10 10 0.3 0 V-0 892 16 c10 10 10 0 Wax OP V-0 794 18 0.4 e7 10 10 0.3 Wax E 0.4 V-0 978 14 e8 10 100.3 Wax OP V-0 966 14 0.4

1. A mixture of a phosphonite (component A) and/or an ester and/or saltof a long-chain fatty acid (component B), and/or a carboxylic ester,and/or carboxylic amide (component C).
 2. The mixture as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the phosphonites are phosphonites of the structureR—[P(OR₁)₂]_(m)  (I) where R is a mono- or polyvalent aliphatic,aromatic, or heteroaromatic organic radical, and R₁ is a group of thestructure (II)

or the two radicals R₁ form a bridging group of the structure (III)

where A is a direct bond, O, S, C₁₋₁₈-alkylene (linear or branched),C₁₋₁₈-alkylidene (linear or branched), and where R₂ are, independentlyof one another, C₁₋₁₂-alkyl (linear or branched), C₁₋₁₂-alkoxy,C₅₋₁₂-cycloalkyl, and n is 0 to 5, and m is from 1 to
 4. 3. The mixtureas claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein R is C₄₋₁₈-alkyl (linear orbranched), C₄₋₁₈-alkylene (linear or branched), C₅₋₁₂-cycloalkyl,C₅₋₁₂-cycloalkylene, C₆₋₂₄-aryl or -heteroaryl, C₆₋₂₄-arylene orC₆₋₂₄-heteroarylene, which may also have further substitution; R₁ is agroup of the structure (II) or (III), where R₂ are, independently of oneanother, C₁₋₈-alkyl (linear or branched), C₁₋₈-alkoxy, cyclohexyl; A isa direct bond, O, C₁₋₈-alkylene (linear or branched), C₁₋₈-alkylidene(linear or branched) and n is from 0 to 3 m is from 1 to
 3. 4. Themixture as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 3, wherein R iscyclohexyl, phenyl, phenylene, biphenyl, or biphenylene R₁ is a group ofthe structure (II) or (III), where R₂ are, independently of one another,C₁₋₈-alkyl (linear or branched), C₁₋₈-alkoxy, cyclohexyl; A is a directbond, O, C₁₋₆-alkylidene (linear or branched) and n is from 1 to 3 m isfrom 1 to
 2. 5. The mixture as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 4,wherein component B is esters or salts of long-chain fatty acids havingfrom 14 to 40 carbon atoms.
 6. The mixture as claimed in one or more ofclaims 1 to 5, wherein component B is reaction products of long-chainfatty acids having from 14 to 40 carbon atoms with polyhydric alcohols,such as ethylene glycol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane, and/orpentaerythritol.
 7. The mixture as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to5, wherein component B is the alkali-metal, alkaline-earth-metal,aluminum, and/or zinc salts of long-chain fatty acids having from 14 to40 carbon atoms.
 8. The mixture as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to7, wherein component B is glycerol monostearate and/or calcium stearate.9. The mixture as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 7, whereincomponent B is reaction products of montan wax acids with ethyleneglycol.
 10. The mixture as claimed in claim 9, wherein the reactionproducts are a mixture of the mono(montan wax acid) ester of ethyleneglycol, the di(montan wax acid) ester of ethylene glycol, montan waxacids, and ethylene glycol.
 11. The mixture as claimed in one or more ofclaims 1 to 7, wherein component B is reaction products of montan waxacids with a calcium salt.
 12. The mixture as claimed in claim 11,wherein the reaction products are a mixture of the mono(montan wax acid)ester of 1,3-butanediol, the di(montan wax acid) ester of1,3-butanediol, montan wax acids, 1,3-butanediol, calcium montanate, andthe calcium salt.
 13. The mixture as claimed in one or more of claims 1to 12, wherein component C is a derivative of an aromatic di- ortricarboxylic (ester) amide.
 14. The mixture as claimed in claim 13,wherein the derivative is N,N′-bispiperidinyl-1,3-benzenedicarboxamideand/orN,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)-1,3-benzenedicarboxamide.15. The mixture as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 14, which alsocomprises phosphites of the formula (IV) P(OR₁)₃  (IV) where R₁ is agroup of the structure (II) or (III).
 16. The mixture as claimed inclaim 15, wherein the phosphites have the structures (V) or (VI)

where n is 0 or
 1. 17. The mixture as claimed in claim 15 or 16, whichalso comprises compounds of the structure (VII) or (VIII)


18. The mixture as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 17, whichcomprises from 10 to 90% by weight of component A and from 90 to 10% byweight of component B or component C.
 19. The mixture as claimed in oneor more of claims 1 to 18, which comprises from 30 to 70% by weight ofcomponent A and from 70 to 30% by weight of component B or component C.20. The mixture as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 19, whichcomprises from 45 to 55% by weight of component A and from 55 to 45% byweight of component B or component C.
 21. The mixture as claimed in oneor more of claims 1 to 17, which comprises from 10 to 90% by weight ofcomponent B and from 90 to 10% by weight of component C.
 22. The mixtureas claimed in claim 21, which comprises from 30 to 70% by weight ofcomponent B and from 70 to 30% by weight of component C.
 23. The mixtureas claimed in claim 21 or 22, which comprises from 45 to 55% by weightof component B and from 55 to 45% by weight of component C.
 24. Themixture as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 17, which comprisesfrom 5 to 90% by weight of component A, from 5 to 90% by weight ofcomponent B, and from 90 to 5% by weight of component C.
 25. The mixtureas claimed in claim 24, which comprises from 15 to 70% by weight ofcomponent A, from 15 to 70% by weight of component B, and from 70 to 15%by weight of component C.
 26. The mixture as claimed in claim 24 or 25,which comprises from 30 to 35% by weight of component A, from 30 to 35%by weight of component B, and from 35 to 30% by weight of component C.27. The mixture as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 26, whereincomponents A, B, and C are present in the form of pellets, flakes, fineparticles, powders, and/or micronizate.
 28. The mixture as claimed inone or more of claims 1 to 26, wherein components A, B, and C arepresent in the form of a physical mixture of the solids, as a meltmixture, as a compactate, as an extrudate, or in the form of amasterbatch.
 29. The use of mixtures as claimed in at least one ofclaims 1 to 28 in the molding composition of a polymer or of apolycondensate.
 30. The use of mixtures as claimed in at least one ofclaims 1 to 28 in the molding composition of a flame-retardant polymeror of a flame-retardant polycondensate.
 31. The use as claimed in claim29 or 30, wherein phosphorus-containing flame retardant is used.
 32. Theuse as claimed in claim 30 or 31, wherein the phosphorus-containingflame retardant used comprises inorganic and organic phosphates,phosphites, hypophosphites, phosphonates, phosphinates, and phosphineoxides, and/or elemental phosphorus.
 33. The use as claimed in one ormore of claims 30 to 32, wherein the phosphates used comprise melaminephosphate, melamine pyrophosphate, or melamine polyphosphate, or elsethe similar melame phosphates, meleme phosphates, or melon phosphates,and/or ammonium polyphosphate.
 34. The use as claimed in one or more ofclaims 30 to 32, wherein the hypophosphites used comprise calciumhypophosphite, zinc hypophosphite, and/or aluminum hypophosphite. 35.The use as claimed in one or more of claims 30 to 32, wherein thephosphinates used comprise phosphinic salts of the formula (I) and/or adiphosphinic salt of the formula (II), and/or polymers of these

where R¹ and R² are identical or different and are C₁-C₆-alkyl, linearor branched, and/or aryl; R³ is C₂-C₁₀-alkylene, linear or branched,C₆-C₁₀-arylene, C₆-C₁₀-alkylarylene, or C₆-C₁₀-arylalkylene; M iscalcium ions, aluminum ions, and/or zinc ions; m is 2 or 3; n is 1 or 3;x is 1 or
 2. 36. The use as claimed in claim 35, wherein thephosphinates are aluminum phosphinate, calcium phosphinate, and/or zincphosphinate.
 37. The use as claimed in one or more of claims 30 to 32,wherein the elemental phosphorus is red phosphorus.
 38. The use asclaimed in one or more of claims 29 to 37, wherein the polymers orpolycondensates are polyamides.
 39. The use as claimed in claim 38,wherein the polyamides are of amino acid type and/or ofdiamine/dicarboxylic acid type.
 40. The use as claimed in claim 38 or39, wherein the polyamides are nylon-6 and/or nylon-6,6.
 41. The use asclaimed in one or more of claims 38 to 40, wherein the polyamides areunmodified, colored, filled, unfilled, reinforced, or unreinforcedpolyamides, or else have been otherwise modified.
 42. The use as claimedin one or more of claims 38 to 41, wherein components A, B, and C areintroduced at the same or at different steps in the process during thepreparation/processing of polyamides.
 43. The use as claimed in one ormore of claims 29 to 37, wherein the polycondensates are polyesters. 44.The use as claimed in claim 43, wherein the polycondensates arepolyethylene terephthalate and/or polybutylene terephthalate.
 45. Theuse as claimed in claim 43 or 44, wherein the polyesters are unmodified,colored, filled, unfilled, reinforced, or unreinforced polyesters, orelse have been otherwise modified.
 46. The use as claimed in one or moreof claims 43 to 45, wherein components A, B, and C are introduced at thesame or at different steps in the process during thepreparation/processing of polyesters.
 47. The use as claimed in one ormore of claims 43 to 46, wherein components A, B, and C are incorporatedin the polycondensation process, in the compounding process, or directlyduring molding.
 48. The use as claimed in one or more of claims 29 to47, wherein the total amount of components A, B, and C in the polymer orpolycondensate is from 0.01 to 10.00% by weight.
 49. The use as claimedin one or more of claims 29 to 48, wherein the total amount ofcomponents A, B, and C in the polymer or polycondensate is from 0.1 to2.00% by weight.
 50. The use as claimed in one or more of claims 29 to49, wherein the total amount of flame retardant in the polymer orpolycondensate is from 1 to 50% by weight.
 51. The use as claimed in oneor more of claims 29 to 50, wherein the total amount of flame retardantin the polymer or polycondensate is from 5 to 40% by weight.
 52. The useas claimed in one or more of claims 29 to 51, wherein the total amountof flame retardant in the polymer or polycondensate is from 10 to 30% byweight.